Killer dog was 'pitbull type'

The dog which attacked and killed a five-year-old girl in Merseyside was a pitbull terrier type breed, tests have confirmed.

Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, St Helens, in the early hours of January 1. Post-mortem results revealed that she suffered severe head and neck injuries.

Her grandmother, Jackie Simpson, 46, was also injured during the attack. She managed to separate the dog from the child and put it into a secure area at the side of the house by the time police arrived. However, she suffered damage to tendons in her arms and severe damage to her thumb and elbow. She underwent surgery on her arm on Tuesday night and remains in a comfortable condition at Whiston Hospital.

Police have still to speak to her about the incident.

The dog, which belongs to Ellie's uncle, was destroyed at the scene after it was determined that it could not be safely handled, controlled or removed.

Following a post-mortem on the animal on Tuesday afternoon, Merseyside Police confirmed that the dog was a pitbull terrier type, one of four breeds which are prohibited under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act. Under the act, owners can face prosecution and a fine of £5,000 and up to six months in jail for illegal possession of a dangerous dog.

A statement issued by Merseyside Police said: "The results of this post-mortem will now be included in the investigation and we will be speaking to all family members about the circumstances leading up to this tragedy.

"As soon as the investigation is completed, a report will be presented to the coroner and to the Crown Prosecution Service in terms of considering what offences, if any, have been committed."

Police also confirmed that two previous complaints had been made about the dog. On one occasion, the animal attacked another dog and the owner was issued with a warning letter, while a second warning letter was also issued following a complaint over noise.

On Tuesday, Ellie's family released a statement which described her as a "little angel" who was always "full of life and always running around".

(KMcA)